It’s a sigh of relief for the parents and guardians of 20 needy students across Mombasa County who excelled in KCPE, as Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) awarded them a Sh5 Million scholarship, to cover their secondary education.
The KCB scholarship program, was established in 2005, to provide high school education scholarships to bright, vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged boys and girls.
FGM champions, teenage mothers, girls rescued from early marriages, sports talented students, and boys from cattle-rustling-prone regions.
The Scholarship program has seen substantial growth, with 54 beneficiaries being increased between 2005 and 2011. Over the years, the program has expanded progressively, stabilizing at awarding 200 scholarships per year.
The selection criteria include having attended a public primary school, attaining the county cut-off point, and coming from needy households.
For special categories such as teen moms, FGM champions, and the gifted, the cut-off marks of 300 and 250 for students with disabilities are applied. A crucial aspect of the selection process involves obtaining a referral from local authorities, including the chief, head teacher, and a religious leader.
The comprehensive scholarship package includes the payment of tuition fees for four years, settled at the beginning of each term, along with covering all necessary educational requirements such as books and uniforms.
Complementing the financial support, a mandatory mentorship program has been established, ensuring personalized guidance and support for each beneficiary.
KCB Kilindini Branch Manager, Collins Obiero, says the Bank want to make an impact on the lives of students in the education sector.
“We are making an impact on the lives of these children, who come from a humble background. As a bank, we will assist the 20 students throughout their secondary studies,” said Obiero at the Royal Castle in Mombasa.
This year marks the 17th Anniversary of the bank’s scholarship program, and the organization received over 12,000 applications. Applicants were chosen ,based on their KCPE results and the level of need.
Tabitha Michelle Mboya, a beneficiary of the scholarship, expressed her joy after her dream to join secondary school became a reality, she aspires to become a medical doctor.
“I am pleased and thank God for giving me such an opportunity. May God bless KCB for making my dream come true, to enroll in Moi Girls Secondary in Nairobi, after getting 395 marks in my KCPE examination,” said Mboya.
Parents thanked the organization, stating that the scholarship would be critical to their future.
Tom Mboya, a parent said, “I am grateful for the opportunity that my daughter has been given by the KCB as I had no means but now all her secondary studies will be fully covered by KCB. I will urge her to work hard for her future.”
KCB Kisauni Branch Manager, Susan Auko, emphasized the importance of personal effort over choosing a school.
“It’s not the school that you join that determines your form four grades. You can succeed in any school, it’s not the school but your efforts that will determine your KCSE grades,” she said.
Joseph Owino, an alumnus of the KCB foundation program, expressed gratitude for the support that contributed to his impressive A- at Ribe High School.
“To my little brothers and sisters going to various high schools don’t engage in things that will make you lose focus, please work smart,” he advised the beneficiaries.
Mombasa County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Jayzan Faruk, acknowledged KCB’s strategic partnership with the County Government in promoting education.
He said KCB remains a key strategic partner with the County Government when it comes to education.
By Abdulrahman Allui and Mauta Jackie
